Edinburgh Waverley station staff to strike in accommodation row

The RMT says workers are having to stay in ‘lousy’ conditions and contractor ISS has broken promises about improvements.

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Railway staff at Edinburgh Waverley are going on strike after accusing a contractor of breaking promises about improving their “lousy” accommodation.

The ISS contract staff, who clean and maintain the train station, say they were promised improvements such as air conditioning.

No changes have been made according to the RMT union, which has now called for the facilities staff to strike on Sunday January 27.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The fact that low-paid ISS contractors are being forced to strike over broken promises to improve workplace conditions is a scandal and the company should be hanging their heads in shame.

“The working facilities inflicted on this core group of rail support staff are a disgrace to the railway in Scotland and an appalling indictment of the way that private contractors think they can get away with treating their workforce.

“It is clear that the only way we can get ISS to keep their word on making substantial improvements to their staff accommodation and facilities is by taking strike action.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash

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“We have been demanding talks with ISS but have heard nothing. The ball is in their court.”